The Knight with the Broken Sword

Southland Times, Issue 25341, 20 July 1935, Page 18

The Knight with the Broken Sword

—Highly Commended.— The hero of this story is a knight who lived in the times when a knight had to do something famous to become well known to the people. This young man was sent out by his father, a well-to-do baron and sincere friend of the king. For several days he travelled on, living on the little food he had brought with him. After his food supply had just finished he arrived at a castle. On reaching it he secured his steed and knocked at the gates. Soon after he did this he saw a princess come out and see him, then returned inside and a wild-looking man with sword drawn approached the gates and asked in a loud voice, “Why come you here?” “To see if I can get food,” replied the hero. “Do you think I’ll feed you?” “I only want some food to take on my way.” “Go away or I’ll kill you,” the man cried, brandishing his weapon. “I’m capable of defending myself.” “We’ll see.” At this he opened the gates with a key he took from his pocket and carelessly left it in the lock. Our hero quickly side-stepped him, pulled the gates and locked them. He went in and found the princess and to his surprise found it was the king’s daughter. Just then the rogue entered from a trap-door. The knight struck him but broke his sword on the man’s shield. Then quickly he and the princess ran out and on to the steeds’ backs and rode off. WTien he appeared before the king with the princess the king was overjoyed. The knight became known as “the knight with the broken sword.” —2 marks to Cousin Laurence Moir (15), Waimahaka.